A potential diagnostic problem on the ICU: Euglycaemic diabetic Ketoacidosis associated with SGLT2 inhibition

J Crit Care. 2020 Jun:57:19-22. doi: 10.1016/j.jcrc.2019.12.007. Epub 2019 Dec 10.

Abstract

Sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitors are the latest class of oral hypoglycaemic agents approved to treat type II diabetes. Their use is increasing and as such more patients will present to critical care whilst on this treatment. However, there have been several case reports of euglycaemic diabetic ketoacidosis associated with the use of these agents. Under such circumstances the blood glucose is often normal or only moderately elevated and hence the diagnosis may be delayed resulting in inappropriate therapy. In this review we describe a case of SGLT2 mediated ketoacidosis who presented to our intensive care unit, discuss the proposed pathophysiology behind this development of ketoacidosis as well as its potential prevention, management and treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Blood Gas Analysis
  • Blood Glucose / analysis*
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / complications
  • Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2 / diagnosis*
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / complications
  • Diabetic Ketoacidosis / diagnosis*
  • Humans
  • Hypertension / complications
  • Hypoglycemic Agents / adverse effects
  • Intensive Care Units*
  • Male
  • Patient Admission
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 / physiology
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors / adverse effects*

Substances

  • Blood Glucose
  • Hypoglycemic Agents
  • SLC5A2 protein, human
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2
  • Sodium-Glucose Transporter 2 Inhibitors